Zatoichi - Darkness Is His Ally

Love Ichi. This story wasn't in the Janis Collection.

One of the best!

Well if we compare this to all the other Shintaro Katsu Zato-ichi films (there's a criterion release of these), I have to say it's the worst of the lot.That said, a "bad" Zato-ichi is still pretty terrific and I enjoyed it throughout.

Item arrived in good condition

I am an unabashed completist, so after watching the 25 Zatoichi films in the Criterion release, I just had to acquire this final installment. Once again, Katsu embodies the role of the Blind Swordsman as no other could. The bad guys in this film are really bad and there is plenty of Samurai Swordplay. Ichi also gets it on with a lovely, tattooed boss-lady in the hot tub. (Good for you Ichi). The film, however, suffers from bizarre editing, making the story more difficult to follow than usual. Not a deal-breaker, but nonetheless, it does disrupt the continuity of the story. Also, this is the longest installment running just under 2 hours, rather than the standard 90 minutes.For fans of Zatoichi, it's well worth the purchase. For all others, start with the Criterion Collection.Recommended.

Very nice in full color and Ichi does his thing. Wipes out the bad Yakuza and evil lord (and everyone in their respective groups) to make way for the beautiful, but nice woman yakuza boss. Meanwhile, there is much frontal nudity. Obviously, this would be R rated if they made films like this these days. However, it's very entertaining for Shintaro Katsu fans.

Loved the original series. See my review for the boxed set...this is the last of Zatoichi, while very good and worth the price, I enjoyed the box set from 1960-63 just a little bit more, but still a great time and a must in any Zatoichi collection.

I love this movie and I wish that will be part of prime movies

Although its region 1 or A on the sleeve, it appears to play in my region B locked player. So... Zatoichi complete (with the criterion collection) and highley recommended!

There might be a good reason this movie is not part of Criterion collection. I am huge Zaroichi fan and last three movies of the series are absolute crap but this one especially is garbage.The movie has the soundtrack of an 80s Hollywood B action movie - it even has an English soundtrack - this is Zatoichi !!!I wish one of my favorite characters of all time had a better ending. Not sure what Katsu San was thinking with this one - But I’ll always have fond memories of him.

画質は大分良くないです、クラリテリオン版と比較するとかなり酷いです、DVDと変わらないと思います残念ですが

昔の作品を何の工夫もなくBD化した様な画質ですが、DVDよりは向上していると思います。いつまで経っても国内版が出ないので、それだけでも買う価値はあるかと。ちなみに色々と加えられているTV版ではなく、DVD版と同じ内容でした。残念。